Major Achievements:
- Never say you can’t fight City Hall and win! After a two-year battle with city hall, I was successful in getting the construction underway of Winnipeg's new ballpark, CanWest Global Park - home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club. I firmly believe in dreaming big and working fervently to get the job done!
- Recognizing the devastating effects drug abuse has on our kids and their future, doing what I could to prevent kids from becoming involved with drugs has been a priority for me. Being recognized for my contributions to drug awareness at a press conference at the White House by Nancy and Ronald Reagan was an unforgettable moment.
- Most recently, I was truly honoured to receive Manitoba’s highest honour, the Order of Manitoba.
Education:
- High School: West Kildonan Collegiate
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Manitoba
Recent Job History:
- President and CEO of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club.
- President and CEO of Showtime Productions Inc., which promotes and produces entertainment such as Broadway musicals, concerts and trade shows.
- Past President and Board Member of Big Brothers Association of Winnipeg.
Hobbies:
- Spending time at the park with my daughter, Ava, by far tops my list. I also enjoy playing tennis and watching our Winnipeg Goldeyes is clearly an all-time favorite!
Interview
Mr. Katz, what will you do for Winnipeg if you are elected Mayor?
Dream big, aim high and work hard to make it happen.
I believe Winnipeg’s future success will grow out of new ideas that challenge the status quo, demand attention and generate discussion.
I envision a Winnipeg where families are safe, where taxes are low, but hopes and opportunity are high.
As mayor, I will energize the public with fresh ideas that tackle the old problems that have plagued Winnipeg for years.
I have what it takes to get the job done and have the ability to make it happen. I have done it in business here in Winnipeg, across Canada and throughout North America. This city and its citizens have given me and my family so much - I believe I have something to contribute as well.
I grew up in Winnipeg and this city has allowed me the opportunity to pursue new challenges, take risks and live out my dreams. Now, I want to use my time and energy to see my dream for Winnipeg become a reality.
I envision a Winnipeg that is dynamic, lively and growing from one end of the city to the other. A city that is appealing in appearance, attractive to new business, and bursting with opportunity for our youth.
A city that has the right mix of support for infrastructure, sports and the arts to help build a vibrant city that is the economic engine that will build the strong future our children want and deserve right here at home.
It is time for Winnipeg to claim its rightful place as one of Canada’s greatest cities - a North American business and tourism destination equal to any on the continent.
As your mayor, I will ensure Winnipeggers receive better services at a fair cost for the tax dollars that are spent. I believe in improved basic services, better streets, and safer communities.
I won’t back down from a challenge, but I will always have the courage to be open and honest about what can or can’t be done and why.
As your mayor, my guarantee is that our city will always dream big, and I will always work hard to make those dreams a reality so Winnipeg becomes the home of opportunity and a safe place and exciting place for families to live and grow.
Thank you. Now, please tell us why the citizens of Winnipeg should choose you instead of the other candidates.
I have the passion to dream of what can be and the motivation to make it happen.
Winnipeggers want more - and they deserve it. They have bigger and better dreams of the kind of home their city can be for them and I believe they’ll find, in me, the right person to deliver it and the person most driven to deliver it soon.
I have the vision and passion to make it happen.
For some time now I have envisioned the kind of great city our Winnipeg can be and I believe now is the time to devote my energy towards making the dream a reality.
I am not affiliated with any political party and one of the greatest benefits to that is it puts me in the best position to bring everyone together, regardless of politics, to get the job done.
And, I have the driving instinct to fight for what is right.
I’ve fought to bring professional sports and high-quality entertainment to Winnipeg. I’ve supported children’s programs. And I’ve fought against the devastating effects drug abuse has on our kids and their future, doing what I could to prevent kids from becoming involved with drugs.
I believe Winnipeggers recognize that my determination to build the ball park stands as my guarantee to them that if they come forward with an idea, I’m going to listen - because I know Winnipeg needs big dreams and good ideas.
It just makes sense that if a citizen or a citizen group comes forward with a good idea that is good for Winnipeg, it should be acted on, and they will find in me a mayor that will ensure that happens.
The fact is, I know I share Winnipeggers’ ability to dream big and their willingness to do what it takes to make it happen.
As their mayor, I will make those dreams a reality and I’ll deliver the right deal that ensures Winnipeg is a prosperous, safe and exciting city.